Overview
A derivative of the Boeing commercial DC-10-30 convertible freighter, the KC-10 Extender is an advanced tanker/cargo aircraft. It is designed to provide rapid, worldwide force projection for the armed services, as well as for humanitarian or peacekeeping missions.
Functions and Capabilities
Powered by three General Electric CF6-50C2 turbofan engines, the KC-10 Extender provides:
- a versatile personnel and cargo carrier which deploys fighter aircraft, including support equipment and personnel, nonstop to any point on the globe.
- a major increase in air refueling capability by increasing the payload/range of cargo airlifters.
- augmentation of the airlift fleet by carrying cargo and personnel
The KC-10 Extender can refuel a wide variety of U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft, as well as aircraft from allied nations. It can refuel both receptacle-equipped and probe-equipped aircraft on the same flight. This is accomplished by including:
- additional fuel tanks in the lower fuselage compartments
- an advanced air refueling boom
- an independent hose reel/drogue system
- a remote air refueling operators station (KDC-10)
- an air refueling receptacle and military avionics.
The KC-10 Extender contributes strategic tanker capability to the U.S. Air Force by providing rapid, worldwide force projection.